Sarah Waters is a renowned British author known for her historical fiction novels. With a focus on LGBTQ+ themes, Waters has gained critical acclaim for her captivating storytelling and rich character development. Some of her other notable works include Fingersmith and The Night Watch. Waters' writing has been praised for its immersive portrayal of different time periods and its exploration of complex relationships.
Sarah Waters Books
What's Tipping the Velvet about?
Tipping the Velvet is a historical fiction novel by Sarah Waters that explores themes of gender identity and sexual freedom in Victorian England. Set in the 1890s, the story follows Nancy Astley, a young woman who falls in love with male impersonator Kitty Butler and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and independence. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, the book delves into the hidden world of queer relationships and the societal constraints of the time.
Who should read Tipping the Velvet?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on LGBTQ+ themes
- Individuals interested in exploring the Victorian era and its underground subcultures
- People who appreciate richly detailed and immersive storytelling
What's The Night Watch about?
The Night Watch by Sarah Waters is a gripping novel set in World War II-era London. The story unfolds in reverse chronology, revealing the interconnected lives of a group of characters and the secrets they hold. Through beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, Waters explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on ordinary people.
Who should read The Night Watch?
- Anyone interested in historical fiction set during World War II
- Readers who enjoy intricate and non-linear storytelling
- Individuals who appreciate complex and flawed characters
What's Fingersmith about?
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a gripping historical novel set in Victorian England. It tells the story of Sue Trinder, a young orphan who is drawn into a plot to defraud a wealthy heiress. Full of twists and turns, the book explores themes of betrayal, love, and the power dynamics between the characters.
Who should read Fingersmith?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a twist
- Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
- People interested in exploring themes of deception, identity, and betrayal
What's The Paying Guests about?
The Paying Guests is a gripping historical novel by Sarah Waters set in 1920s London. It follows the story of Frances, a young woman who lives with her mother in a large house that they can no longer afford. To make ends meet, they take in lodgers, a young married couple. As Frances becomes increasingly drawn to one of the guests, the novel delves into themes of desire, betrayal, and the consequences of societal expectations.
Who should read The Paying Guests?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on social class and gender roles
Those interested in complex and morally ambiguous characters
People who appreciate atmospheric and immersive storytelling
What's Affinity about?
Affinity is a haunting novel set in Victorian England, written by Sarah Waters. The story follows Margaret Prior, a troubled woman who becomes a visitor at Millbank prison. There, she becomes drawn to Selina Dawes, a spiritualist medium serving time for a mysterious crime. As Margaret delves deeper into Selina's world, she uncovers dark secrets and questions her own sanity. This gripping tale explores themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
Who should read Affinity?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and the supernatural
Those interested in exploring complex relationships and the intricacies of human emotions
Individuals who appreciate thought-provoking narratives that challenge conventional norms
What's The Little Stranger about?
The Little Stranger is a chilling and atmospheric novel set in post-war England. It tells the story of a country doctor who becomes entangled with the once-grand Ayres family and their eerie, decaying estate. As strange and inexplicable events begin to occur, the doctor is forced to confront his own beliefs about the supernatural and the secrets that lie hidden within the house.
Who should read The Little Stranger?
Readers who enjoy atmospheric and suspenseful stories
Those interested in exploring themes of class, family, and the supernatural
People who appreciate well-crafted and nuanced character development





